PLoS One May 2025 PMID 39841681

Walking coral: Complex phototactic mobility in the free-living coral Cycloseris cyclolites.

Brett M Lewis, David J Suggett, Peter J Prentis, Luke D Nothdurft

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Mentions

Peak: 6 in Jan 2025

across 6 sources since Jan 2025

Extended reach

17,074

potential audience

Total likes

Video views

2,051

Mentions per month

Jan 2025 – May 2025

Where it's discussed

News52 articles
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AI synopsis

What people are saying

The overall discussions show excitement about the discovery of coral's walking behavior, supported by enthusiastic phrases such as 'excited to share' and 'walking corals are real!', which reflect genuine interest and some engagement. Words like 'complex phototactic mobility' and mentions of coral movements towards light point to recognition of the study's importance and novelty, although the tone remains mostly introductory and supportive without deep technical analysis.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions express enthusiasm and support for the significance of the research, with statements like 'Excited to share our latest publication' and positive comments on coral mobility.

InterestHigh interest

The engaging tone and use of enthusiasm suggest a high level of interest, especially with references to the coral's movement and biological implications.

EngagementModerate engagement

Comments include mentions of the research's details and pictures, indicating some in-depth engagement, though mostly from a general curiosity perspective.

ImpactModerate impact

While the discussions are enthusiastic, the emphasis on sharing and admiration rather than detailed application indicates a moderate impact perception.

Abstract in brief

The study explores the movement behavior of the freeliving coral Cycloseris cyclolites, focusing on its response to blue and white light, showing a strong preference for blue light which influences their direction and distance traveled.
Corals move using a coordinated pulsed motion driven by tissue inflation, adjustments of ventral footpads, and twisting of peripheral tissues, which together resemble a jellyfish's swimming.
These findings reveal important details about coral mobility mechanisms, especially how tissue inflation aids movement, and suggest possible links to coral sensory systems and habitat choices.]

Read the full abstract

All mentions

Walking Mushroom Coral's Light-Driven Movement and Adaptation

Did you know some corals can walk? This study reveals how the mushroom coral Cycloseris cyclolites uses pulsed tissue inflation, sliding, and twisting motions to move toward blue and white light sources, aiding in…

Bio Sci News · May 19, 2025 2,007 views

Biomechanics of Pulsed Inflation Mobility in Cycloseris cyclolites

This video showcases how Cycloseris cyclolites uses coordinated tissue inflation and contraction for movement, combining topside footage and microscopic views to highlight the dynamic locomotion process based on pulsed…

ScienceAlert External Sources · Mar 12, 2025 27 views

Coral Movement Mechanics and Phototactic Responses Explored in High-Resolution Time-Lapse

ScienceAlert External Sources · Mar 12, 2025 17 views

David J Suggett

@DavidJSuggett · X

RT @BrettM_Lewis: Excited to share our latest publication on coral walking!

Mar 5, 2025 · 1 share · 4,122 followers View post →

Dr Brett Lewis

@BrettM_Lewis · X

Excited to share our latest publication on coral walking!

Mar 4, 2025 · 8 likes · 1 share · 847 followers View post →

Nagore Quintano

@nagoreqf.bsky.social · Bluesky

'Walking' corals are real!!

Jan 27, 2025 · 2 likes View post →

Nagore Quintano

@Nagore_MER · X

'Walking' corals are real!!

Jan 27, 2025 · 60 followers View post →

三日月あかり

@mikage__akari · X

引用元～ Brett M. Lewis, et al. Walking coral: Complex phototactic mobility in the free-living coral Cycloseris cyclolites. PLOS ONE. 2025. https://t.co/dqjnrPoT6J / CC-BY 4.0 (Adapted)

Jan 26, 2025 · 1 like · 906 followers View post →

@aeislasr

@aeislasr.bsky.social · Bluesky

Jan 24, 2025 View post →

Alfonso Enrique Islas Rodríguez

@alfonso_islas · X

Jan 24, 2025 · 126 followers View post →

Peter Godfrey-Smith

@pgodfreysmith · X

Here is the research paper, in @PLOSONE (a journal I am a fan of). https://t.co/fMgbVeTOuH. By @BrettM_Lewis and collaborators.

Jan 22, 2025 · 3 likes · 8,959 followers View post →